We, women

©

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w w w. t u t t o a r a b i . c o m

WE,

Nurture Take care Are kind Create connections Dedicate ourselves Share knowledge Have passion Love Are focused Listen to the heart Aim our goals Dream Believe Have faith Enjoy the journey Are grateful Inspire Are the change Take chance Never give up

WOMEN

by Giorgia Mauri

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S ANDRA

P L AT Z EC K

Breeder and Veterinarian

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My name is Sandra Platzeck, I am 41 years old, I am a breeder of Arabian horses, a veterinarian and I work with equine breeding.

I have been in love with horses since I was a child.

My first contact with the Arabian horse was when I was around 11 years old through my father when he took me to the National exhibition that took place at Parque da Água Funda in São Paulo, and it was passion at first sight!

Women have gained a lot of space in all areas of the equine market. The Arabian horses are intelligent and sensitive and women have a greater tact in dealing with them.

When we do what we like with love and dedication the doors open and opportunities arise. I am

responsible for the entire breeding process, from mating, mare insemination, washing and embryo transfer. Each birth is the fulfillment of a dream with a lot of work behind it. When a foal is born with the desired characteristics, satisfaction is enormous and indescribable.

Persistence is the quality one should have, in my opinion, to make her dream come true. I believe that everyone can fulfill their dreams and projects as long as they never give up, even after negative or frustrating situations.

I hope my experience can be an inspiration for a future generation of women in this world and I hope that more women will fall in love with the Arabian horse and follow this path because it is very rewarding.

T H E M E S SAG E I L E AV E TO F U T U R E G E N E R AT I ON S O F YO U NG WO M E N I S N E V E R G I V E U P A N D A LWAYS FO L LOW YO U R D R E A M S A N D GOA L S B ECAU S E H O RS E S W I L L R E PAY YO U R F I G H T A N D W I L L B E YO U R PA RT N E RS A LWAYS !

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R AQ U E L

J ACOVA S

Medical School Student, Breeder, Barrel, Pool and Cross Country Racer

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My name is Raquel Jacovas, I am from Rio Grande do Sul, a student from the 5th semester of Medical School, but my passion and hobby have always been the Arabian Horses. My family has been creating horses for 33 years, I was privileged to be born in this environment that shaped who I am today. I grew up on the back of a horse, I learned since a young age to live with the responsibilities that are included in the daily life of the farm. Dealing with horses is a unique experience, as you are dealing with a large and majestic animal, but at the same time, so sensitive and understanding too. It’s a difficult task, but a very rewarding one. It was from that first contact that I developed this passion until my first competition at the age of 5, of endurance, and I continue competing in the modalities of barrel race, pools and cross country.

Being a woman like me in the Arabian horse world for me means freedom. Being a woman who rides horses is to be an empowered woman, who conquers her place even where she was not well regarded, a woman who shows that victories come with a lot of training, sweat and effort, and not only physical strength.

Being a woman who deals with horses shaped in me a very unique character, since I am in the middle of a world that a few years ago was predominantly sexist. But horses are for those who like them, not for those who want them, and I always liked having them around, that must be why I always had the determination to move on! Since I was very young, my trajectory started with the most basic work, from picking up my horse in the pasture, tackling, moving around the arena, riding in the field, training etc ... I never allow anyone to do it for me because I wanted to do everything for myself, always watching what

the professionals were doing. The beginning of a winning career came from there, where I learned to really know the horse. Know their signs. Even when I wasn’t dealing or riding, I was studying bloodlines, going to shows and auctions, always trying to learn more about this unique animal. All the knowledge that I gathered and continue to gather, I try to apply it in the competitions and pass it on to the people who ride with me today.

To deal with horses you need to be a sensitive person, having sensitivity to hear, feel and interpret the signals that your horse gives to you. And to be able to win in the equestrian world, you have to be a very focused person, predisposed to try hard to understand your horse and achieve your goals. If you find an obstacle, you must try harder to overcome it, and never give up, believe in yourself!

These days I heard from the parents of some girls who ride with me that they wanted to ride and be like me. I replied that I wish they were even better than me. Because it is too rewarding to be able to inspire someone to follow in my footsteps and to be able to evolve further with my teachings. My career with Arabian horses has been going on for some years, but it’s the future generations that will continue all this, with even more knowledge, since nobody knows everything. It’s better to help someone than to be helped. It’s empathy and putting yourself in the other’s lives, and that’s just too beautiful. To be able to celebrate the victory of someone who one day came to you with a difficulty and ends up leaving with a smile on the face. It was in the most difficult moments when I found myself at a crossroads, not knowing what to do to make it work, that I ended up learning the most.

SO M Y M E S SAG E TO T H E G I R L S I S : K E E P FO L LOW I NG YO U R D R E A M S, K E E P B E L I E V I NG I N YO U RS E L F, K E E P B E L I E V I NG T H AT YO U A R E GO I NG TO B E A W I N N E R . B ECAU S E ON LY T H OS E W H O H AV E FA I T H I N T H E I R T R A J ECTO RY A N D H AV E T H E H U M I L I T Y TO M A K E M I STA K E S A N D L E A R N F R O M T H E M I STA K E S T H AT W I L L ON E DAY F E E L R E A L LY V I CTO R I O U S A N D AC H I E V E E V E RY T H I NG T H E Y WA N T, I N S I D E A N D O U TS I D E T H E A R E N A , W I T H YO U R H O RS E O R I N YO U R L I F E .

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A D R IANA & A L ES SA N D R A

MO U R A

Breeders

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We are Adriana and Alessandra Moura, sisters and breeders.

Our connection with the Arabian horse started when we were children and we still lived in São Paulo. The passion grew and we went to live with our mother in our stud farm in Atibaia (Haras das Cascatas) and since then the breeding of Arabian horses has become our main activity.

The day-to-day life with these charismatic animals is incredible and challengings... trying

to get to know each individual, their genetic potential, looking for the perfect crossing... All of this is pure passion and magic... witnessing the birth of a beautiful foal, accompanying its development and its trajectory... it is a great achievement!

The privilege of living from what we love most, and being able to pass this passion on to Gabriel, who will be the future of our creation, is something that moves us to try to improve every day...

O U R A DV I C E FO R T H E N E W G E N E R AT I ON S O F YO U NG A R A B I A N H O RS E WO M E N I S T H AT D E D I CAT I ON A N D LOV E A LWAYS L E A D TO GR E AT R E S U LTS. A LWAYS P U T YO U R H E A RT I N W H AT YO U D O, T H E A R A B I A N H O RS E W I L L S U R E LY R E WA R D YO U.

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M AG DA L E N A M U R A SZ KO - KOWA L S K A

Archaeologist and Artist

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My name is Magdalena Muraszko-Kowalska, I am probably the only archaeologist in the world of artists drawing horses. And certainly in Poland, where I come from. For several years I have been drawing, Arabian horses occupy the most space in my work.

Although I have been fascinated by the Arab world for years, also professionally - by education I am an archaeologist specializing in ancient Egypt, I have only recently entered the world of Arabian horses.

Many times, when I was in Egypt on excavations, I admired horses in the desert, although only from a distance. At the beginning of my fascination there were sport horses, jumping horses with which I was associated since I was a child. However, the Arabian horses had something eye-catching about them.

Since I quit my job in a corporation and started drawing horses, it is Arabians that appear most often in my drawings. No other breed of horses has so much expression, can pose so perfectly and show themselves to the public. As if they wanted to be admired. It is impossible not to love them!

The world of horses is dominated by men (often followed by women). Swapping roles is tough, but it’s worth trying to go hand in hand with the guys. It is a specific world, hard work, but also an exceptionally beautiful topic. In the world of Arabian horse art, this is easier than working directly with horses. There is a group of women in the Arabian horse world who are very supportive, and fortunately I found them.

I really owe a lot to the support of many wonderful women, their inspiration, encouragement and faith in me and my abilities. Thank you girls!

The world of fine art is very hermetic, as is the Arabian horse lovers community. Therefore, the subject is doubly difficult. You have to be very persistent and try again and again without losing your enthusiasm. If you do what you love and do it well, the world will finally see you. And although there are times when you have tears in your eyes, I think you come out stronger. In such situations, I grab a pencil and draw only for myself, and such works are always the best.

To reach your goal is important to be persistent, systematic, not to close yourself to the world, smile at it and smile at people, and above all - not to lose distance from yourself and be able to laugh at yourself. And when you stumble, when it gets sad - it’s worth having a horse’s mane nearby so that you can cry at it. Horses are perfect friends! And when you’re angry, hard work in the stable is the best way to improve your mood.

I hope that I am only at the beginning of my adventure with the world of Arabian horses, I believe that from year to year I will gain more experience, friends and knowledge about this environment. I also hope that I will be able to support and inspire more girls, just as now I am helped by women who have known this world longer than me.

M Y M E S SAG E TO F U T U R E G E N E R AT I ON S O F YO U NG WO M E N I S : I F YO U LOV E TO D O SO M E T H I NG A N D YO U D O N OT H A R M OT H E RS, D O I T P E RS I ST E N T LY A N D D O N OT LO O K BAC K AT P EOP L E . D O I T T H E B E ST YO U CA N , B R E A K T H E R U L E S, I G N O R E T H E ST E R EOT Y P E S, A WO M A N I N T H E H O RS E WO R L D CA N D O A N Y T H I NG TO O !

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H ELENA

BY R N E

Rider and Trainer

JODIE

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My name is Helena Jodie Byrne. I am 15 years old and young girl passionately involved with pure bred Arabians. I have been riding Arabians since I was born as my Mother and Father are involved in breeding pure bred Arab’s. I have been around this breed of horse since I was born. I have a very special connection with horses but in particular with the Arabian breed. There is just some other X-factor when working with this breed. I have ridden and trained many many different breeds of horses but my focus the past 3 years has been completely on working with the pure bred Arabians.

When I was 3 years old I lived in Ireland which is a country famous for equine sports. My Mother had 3 Arabian mares and a Stallion in Ireland and this is where I fell in love with the breed. We moved from Ireland to Denmark when I was 4 years old where my Mother and Father took over the running of the horse stud. “Taarup Arabians” is the name of our horse stud and my mother has had a lot of success the past 25 years both in show and riding.

We have had national champions and top 5 in both Aachen and Paris. I always tagged along to the competitions with my Mother and learn a great amount as a young girl.

Today my focus is mainly on the riding of the Arabians and not so much the showing, but the in hand showing also excites me a great deal. I feel this breed is very underestimated as a horse under saddle. So many people have a perception that Arabians are wild and very difficult to ride. I found this to be completely untrue and have found them to be extremely easy to handle and work and train with. I have had a lot of success in Dressage all over Europe with a number of different Arabians.

Being a woman in the Arabian horse world for me

is very easy. I love working the horses I own and also my client’s horses. A lot more people are using their horses for riding the past couple of years where before the Arabian horses were mainly used for in hand showing. It is great to be able to use this wonderful breed for jumping, dressage, hackouts, long distance and the many other ways we use them.

I ride 3 Arabians every day after school and currently have 2 which I am getting ready for the dressage season coming up. It is hard work and can be very difficult, but I am 100% focused and have great ambitions for winning competitions. All my time goes on the horses and I am dedicated to the Arabian breed. I love just going out to the paddock and spending time with these horses, just being around them and enjoying their presence.

They really are such a special breed to be close to.

I think anyone that has been luck enough to have an Arabian will know what I am talking about.

I think the qualities you need to pursue your dream is have complete dedication if you want to be at the top. I have always learned from my parents who breed horses and dogs that if set yourself a goal or project, it must be something you feel is worthwhile and you must be willing to sacrifice your time and work hard to reach your dream. I am proud of the success I have achieved in the dressage competitions and have numerous 1st place wins on Arabians over many different breeds. It always gives me so much satisfaction to win on an Arabian. Recently I have set myself another goal on breeding top level riding Arabians. I will be putting some of my mares in foal with a very special stallion who I also ride and am very impressed by.

I H OP E YO U NG E R G I R L S S E E T H E S U CC E S S I H AV E H A D W I T H A R A B I A N S A N D B ECO M E I N T E R E ST E D I N G E T T I NG I N VO LV E D W I T H T H E B R E E D. SO M E O F T H E OT H E R B R E E DS O F H O RS E ’ S K I N D O F A R E MO R E CO M MON B U T B E I NG I N VO LV E D W I T H A N A R A B I A N H O RS E I S A S P EC I A L E X P E R I E NC E .

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M ANUELA LU C I N I

Breeder, Rider, Trainer, Handler, Manager and Groom

SPECIAL My name is Manuela Lucini, I was born in Switzerland, on the Italian side; I speak Italian, think and eat Italian.

I am honoured by Giorgia’s request to try to give some advice extrapolated from my experience with horses to those who would like to start this fantastic adventure with Arabian thoroughbreds. I’ll try .....

My passion for horses began when I was 7 years old, no one in my family encouraged me, it was born that way and that’s all I could talk about.

I was lucky enough in 1997 to realise my big dream: to live with my horses and start breeding Arabians. It wasn’t as easy as writing this, like all great dreams to achieve it I went through a lot, but I’m still here.

Since then, I find myself managing everything personally at 360 degrees: owner, breeder, breeding management, trainer, handler, saddle taming and sale of show products, as well as groom.

In all these roles I have never had any particular problems with men, except - and this is no small thing - in the daily management of employees, specifically stable men. It’s hard to find someone who really does it for passion, and I admit that it’s harder for a woman to be respected, and it’s hard for men (depending on their mind) to accept orders or to know less than a woman. This is why I stay in contact with my animals as much as possible. I delegate little.

With breeders, trainers and handlers, I have never had any problems, maybe some good-natured teasing from the latter when I entered the ring with a stallion, or for how I spoil the horses, but I am interested in the final result and the compliments gratified and encouraged me.

Unfortunately in 2011 I suffered a serious accident due to an unjustified attack by a stallion. I always avoid talking about it, I don’t like being a victim, but I will do so in this one exception, just to encourage you never to give up!

For reasons that are still unknown, the horse had suddenly become aggressive and I can only assume that he had been mistreated by the stableman on duty at the time because when I returned from my brief absence I noticed that the stallion had definitely changed in his attitude towards people.

As a result of the accident I lost the mobility of my left hand (the dominant one for me) and my wrist by 70 per cent, permanently.

From the window of the hospital during my recovery I could see a stable where the horses were being ridden, and beyond the hill on the horizon I knew that there were all my beloved Arabian horses waiting for me... I hardly ever cry, but at the time the tears often flowed because I didn’t know if I would ever be able to ride or at least handle them again.

I never gave up for them! In fact, after a year of intensive physiotherapy, I was still able to write with my hand and get on the saddle. It was like living again!

Even the doctors can’t explain how it’s possible and are amazed at how a human body can react and adapt to new circumstances. But deep down I know that it’s thanks to love, true passion. That is the real strength. I can no longer tame horses or do any kind of acrobatics, and I have more difficulty, but I can be with my horses all the time, and this is already a success.

I must say that I have a background as an athlete, lots of sport from childhood, even at competitive levels, and the good fortune to have spent years in close contact with great athletes, trainers and physiotherapists of a great Italian football team, MILAN AC. With them I learned a lot, certainly that you need discipline, sacrifice, perseverance and athletic training.

I personally believe that, regardless of gender, laziness does not go hand in hand with success.It takes passion, love, dedication, sacrifices. But also LUCK! Trying to achieve your goals according to your possibilities, step by step and then adding new ones.

But the hardest thing is to keep your dream.

Here the work is just as hard. So, dear women, let’s roll up our sleeves and honour our determination.

And our intuition too. We have this extra weapon...an immediate and I think more disinterested feeling with horses, let’s say less competitive and they feel it....

In the role of manager, a woman needs a lot of diplomacy. This is where I fall short. I admit that a woman must have an extra dose of diplomacy in every role in life.

We need to be adept at using “carrot and stick” with everyone and even our horses.

It would also be important to enjoy one’s dream fulfilled...this is my current goal.

L A Z I N E S S ACCO M P L I S H E S N OT H I NG .

I T ’ S N OT E N O U G H N OT TO G I V E U P, I T TA K E S D I SC I P L I N E , P E RS E V E R A NC E , M E N TA L A N D P H YS I CA L T R A I N I NG , LOV E , PA S S I ON A N D E V E N LU C K ! www.tuttoarabi.com - TUTTO ARABI | 207

C H R I ST I E

ME TZ

Breeder and Author

photo by Kimerlee Curyl

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SPECIAL Who am I? A woman born in the Midwest of the United States. Sassy, opinionated with a great sense of adventure, humor, and kindness. My approach to the Arabian horse world is with great emotion: Joy, curiosity, and gratitude for the horses and the people in my life. Hopefully, I will have more opportunities to inspire people to become involved with Arabian horses through speaking, teaching, and writing. Like many others, I am a library of experiences, willing to share those with others. I was a breeder for almost 30 years, I have garnered a lot of knowledge. It shocks me how long I am involved with Arabians. It seems like yesterday that I met my first Arabain horse in 1988.

Since this article is about women in the industry, I will write from that perspective. Women by nature, for the most part, are caretakers and nurturers of emotional wellbeing. These qualities may bring criticism; we are too emotional, too kind, not objective enough, or intelligent enough. I say, “Phooey.” Women are good at the Arabian horse business using these specific qualities. Like Sheila Varian, Sigi Siller, or Barbara Griffith, Judith Forbis, Lenita Perroy, Marieta Salas, Lucy Whittier, the women of Kehilan Arabians. So many more that I cannot name them all. Brilliant women, creative women, and I can make pages of women that demonstrate these qualities. Many are friends now, and they also contributed to my knowledge either directly or indirectly. I try to give credit where it belongs, and it is important to me to recognize those who have contributed to my knowledge base. Never forget anyone who contributed to your career.

Many people that contributed to my almost 30 years are gone now, like Bazy Tankersly. She was an amazing woman with an intriguing history, plus she taught anyone willing to learn. I learned to ask questions from anyone willing to answer. I had zillions of questions, smiling now because I am relentless in my pursuit of information; I love to learn. Have an avid curiosity too. Curiosity and learning will keep you involved with the people and the horses; they are a never-ending storybook.

Since falling in love with Arabian horses in 1988, they have become my creative passion in life. As

I grew up, I was the typical horse-crazy girl who never dreamed I would one day have an Arabian breeding farm. Silver Maple Farm, Inc. Judy Jones of Atallah Arabian Farm started my journey. She nurtured my interest and supplied educational books on Arabian history, especially the Straight Egyptian Arabian, a “breed within the breed.” And she taught me hands-on about breeding and riding these magical creatures. The first time I went to her farm and saw the horses, I felt their connection through the use of their extraordinary eyes; I was captivated.

To breed Arabians, you need a base of knowledge and at least one mentor. You must have a passion that calls for a dedication to understanding all aspects of a farm. It takes approximately 12 years to develop a breeding program, a fact I learned from Paul Husband. That requires observation and genetic knowledge; know your horses. Most of all, it requires patience. Then you have to decide what your mission for the horses is? Entertainment, show ring recognition, preserving a specific bloodline, or just for personal use, it’s all good. You may start with one goal in mind and change direction; I did.

Today, I no longer breed Arabians, but I ride for pleasure, and I also write about them.

I watch the women involved now and men too. Here are just a few women on my radar, Johanna Uhlstrom (breeder, trainer, and educator), Antonia Bautista (breeder, manager of other horses, and excellent marketing strategist), Ann Sophie von Elm (breeder), Huda and Hoda El Gabry, (second-generation breeders, Pharmacist, and Jewelry Designer), Viktoria Tauske (second generation breeder and Veterinarian,). Evie Tubbs Sweeney (rider, marketing expert), Janina Merz (second generation breeder at OM El Arab), Johanna Kale (second-generation breeder), Catherine “Cat” MacKenna, (Marketing, graphics, rider), Hilke DeBryker (breeding and marketing manager, now a new mother). Mia Shoukens (Reproduction expert). Photography and writing, Beth Ellen Hunziker, Lisa Abrahams, and April Visel, Christine Emmert, and Kelly Keneally. HH Sheikha Sara Al Sabah of Kuwait. I have two more personal favorites, Mohamed Jaidah (breeder); yes, I know he’s not a female! And Dana Al Meslemani (breeder and photographer.)

L I ST E N TO YO U R H E A RTS, CON N ECT W I T H YO U R H O RS E S E MOT I ON A L LY A N D K N OW YO U R P E RSON A L GOA L S. A P P R EC I AT E T H E T R I B E YO U H AV E J O I N E D O F A R A BA I N E N T H U S I A STS WO R L D - W I D E . D R I V E P EOP L E C R A Z Y I N YO U R P U RS U I T O F K N OW L E D G E . www.tuttoarabi.com - TUTTO ARABI | 209

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DA N A

R U S SO

Couture and Show Photographer and Graphic Designer

SPECIAL I am Dana Russo, Sydney, Australia.

I am a couture and show photographer as well as a graphic designer.

I studied photography in high school firstly and this is when I got the photography bug and continued on with photographic courses through TAFE whilst being a make up and fashion assistant for over 7 years, this then led me into couture photography, I fell in love instantly.

I started in the Equine industry with shows and events over 20 years ago before then becoming and independent photographer mainly focusing on Miniatures and Arabian Horses, I have been grateful that my ideas and vision have come to life and the support I have received has been inspirational to my shoots.

I set myself goals to reach and learn more on photographing the Arabian breed that led me to a chance to photograph Internationally, in my international career I have had the privilege to photograph some of the most amazing horses in the world and meet some of the amazing people of the industry.

I have been fortunate to live my life through my camera, as a female I’m very blessed to be treated as an equal in our industry, I must say I have had a few great mentors and they have always supported me and been honest from the start.

I will always say I’m a show photographer 1st, but my passion is my couture and fashion shoots that make me want to create more. I don’t think I would truly be where I am without the inspiration and confidence of those who supported me including my Tutto Arabi Family as this has helped me to do more and travel

the world and lead to other opportunities within the industry.

As an Australian female in this industry we are free to pursue our goals and achievements freely and am lucky to have been part of this wonderful industry.

Sadly we all come up against obstacles when it comes to certain individuals, I have had to put up with a limited few forceful people wanting to take over my magazines and contacts and although upsetting that people think they are entitled to this, hard work and dedication has seen my contacts and magazines show unconditional loyalty. I have been and seen people bullied and it does need to stop, many people think they can do and say what they want and it can hurt and damage people, there is really no need for this in our Industry.

To pursue your dream I think you should remain honest and true to yourself, make sure you do what you say you can do, I don’t believe in over enhancing or manipulating images just to get a job I feel it is misrepresenting, I know we need to do basic edits and we need to adjust colours to match or to alter images for graphic design work etc but I do not agree in altering conformation this is something I have seen over the years has been issue and I would not personal subject myself or clients to be misrepresented.

I do think my experiences and history can be an inspiration, I think of myself as a very easy going person.

I will always support and try and help any upcoming photographers, I don’t believe in undermining other photographers just to get a job, I have seen my fair share of good and bad of the industry and there are things I agree with and don’t, I have always tried to be fair in what I do,

M Y A DV I C E TO N E W P H OTO GR A P H E R I S TO STAY T R U E TO YO U RS E L F I F YO U S E E A S H O OT T H AT YO U LOV E A N D R EC R E AT E , SAY I N S P I R E D BY O R AC K N OW L E D G E T H E P H OTO GR A P H E RS ’ WO R K , D ON ’ T B E A F R A I D TO TA K E C H A NC E S O R S P E A K U P B U T D O I T I N T H E CO R R ECT M A N N E R .

I’m very loyal and I’m very loyal to my work.

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P AT RYC J A

M A KOWS K A

Equine Photographer and Embroidery Designer

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My name is Patrycja Makowska and I am an equine photographer. I was born in 1992 in the central part of Poland, where I live to this day. I am an embroidery designer by profession. Half a year ago, I decided that I wanted to live on my own and quit my job. Today I am working on establishing my own company, which driving force will be the love for Arabian horses.

Although I have been interested in Arabian horses since I was a kid (2004), when Pianissima was winning in the show rings as a yearling, I entered the world of Arabian horses, including show horses, by accident, in 2013. It was then that I met my childhood idol, Kasia Dolińska-Witkowska - the owner of the Zalia Arabians stud, whose photographs have shaped my image of Arabian horses over the years. Her own horses were the first I had contact with. Kasia welcomed me with open arms, and over time she also opened the door of her stable and gave the opportunity to photograph her horses. And, since 2014, Arabian horses have been my whole life and the most photographed theme by me. Kasia was and still is the person, the woman, who has had the greatest impact on my current life and the path I follow in the world of Arabian horses. Thanks to her I have the opportunity to learn to look at horses through the eyes of a breeder, which in my opinion is extremely important in the work of a photographer.

The photographer has to shape what the breeder sees. The breeder notices much more and pays attention to more various important details than a person who has not bred a single horse. Kasia is my guarding angel who motivates me to continue working, learning and developing. She also had a significant impact on my perception of the world and taught me to always think positively and smile at life, even if it is not smiling at me.

Women are particularly present in the Arabian horse community - they are breeders, photographers, trainers, publishers, groomers, veterinarians and judges. I have met many fantastic women in this world, full of passion for Arabian horses, sensitive to what surrounds them. As a photographer, you have to be double sensitive, see more. But when you are

enchanted by the beauty of an Arabian horse, you don’t have to worry about this sensitivity - but you have to care for it.

Due to the big number of women associated with Arabian horses, I have never felt discriminated against in this world because of my gender.

I believe that if you do something well and persistently improve in what you do, you have a set goal, it does not matter if you are a woman or a man. It is worth noting, however, that the better you are in your field, the more you achieve, the more often you may experience hostility from other people. It is sad that sometimes women can cut the wings of other women more harshly than any man.

However, you have to be prepared for it and just do your thing, don’t give up on your dreams because of those kinds of people. That is why you need to be vigilant, isolate yourself from toxic and jealous people, and surround yourself with people who care about you, who will support you in difficult times and help you stand on your feet again.

If you love Arabian horses and want to live with them, their world will be open to you. If you want to develop, you have the willingness to act and propose yourself in this world, and you have a deep faith in yourself, I think you will make your dreams come true. Life teaches humility, being critical of yourself and what you do, and I think that this humility is the foundation of success, next to love for Arabian horses. Of course, it is known that patience is also essential in overcoming the encountered obstacles, in pursuing your dreams step by step, day by day. Daily work on yourself and the desire to improve are necessary to achieve the set goals, which in my opinion should be updated from time to time and set new ones. You also have to be brave and ready to achieve these goals.

When the world gives you the opportunity to take a step forward, opportunity to make one of your dreams come true - don’t hesitate for a moment!

Chances given by life must be used because new ones may not happen.

I believe that my story can be an inspiration and motivation for the future and the present generation

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of women in the Arabian horse world, but of course not only. I come from a poor family with problems.

The world of Arabian horses seemed distant and hermetic to me, so much, that I never dreamed of being part of it. Many people, looking at my life, through the knothole of where I come from, drew the wrong conclusions and built an unfair opinion about me. These people also did not understand my love for horses and the fact that you may want to spend your life with them without having much.

Today I know and I can say with full responsibility that you decide yourself who you are and who

you will be. You decide what your dreams are and when you will make them come true. You decide what kind of people you surround yourself with and what kind of person you are. If you feel that something is standing in the way between you and your dreams - change it! Change your job, place of living, find new friends.

Arabian horses, photographing them have changed me. Thanks to them, I have become a confident woman who knows every day what is the next goal I want to achieve, and believes that everything will succeed.

S M I L E AT YO U R L I F E A N D B E L I E V E T H AT I T W I L L D O T H E SA M E . E V E RY T H I NG YO U D O, GO O D O R BA D, W I L L CO M E BAC K TO YO U W I T H R E D O U B L E D ST R E NGT H I N T H E F U T U R E . T H AT I S W H Y I T I S SO I M P O RTA N T TO B E L I E V E I N YO U R OW N A B I L I T I E S, TO B E H ON E ST, PAT I E N T, B U T A L SO J OY F U L A N D F I L L E D W I T H GO O D E N E R GY. ON E R I G H T P E RSON AT T H E B EG I N N I NG O F YO U R J O U R N E Y TO T H E WO R L D O F A R A B I A N H O RS E S I S E N O U G H TO B EG I N A N A DV E N T U R E O F A L I F E T I M E , W H I C H H OP E F U L LY W I L L L A ST A L L YO U R L I F E . F I N D YO U R GO O D S P I R I T, A GUA R D I NG A NG E L W H O W I L L S U P P O RT YO U I N BA D T I M E S A N D W I T H W H O M YO U W I L L B E A B L E TO S H A R E T H E J OY O F A N Y S U CC E S S, E V E N T H E S M A L L E ST ON E .

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